NOVEL NEXT Chapter 14.2
Stage 1-14. Match-Pump
Alice sought permission with her eyes, and I nodded.
“Come in.”
“Thank you. I hope I’m not interrupting.”
Mio, who had just put the kids to bed, bowed her head.
In her hands, she held a white package.
“We’ve just finalized our plan. How are the children?”
“No one seemed scared. They settled down quickly, probably because they were tired… or maybe because Vellet-sama played with them.”
“Haha…”
I might have gotten a little too excited for my age…
But it was still time well spent.
I got to know how the kids were feeling, after all.
“But why are you here at this hour? Did you get too worried to sleep?”
“No, that’s not it… I came to give this to Vellet-sama.”
She handed me the white package I had been curious about.
I took it and opened it to find ten silver coins inside.
One silver coin should cover half a month’s worth of food for the children.
For her, it wasn’t a small amount of money.
“I understand that this is a meager offering for someone like Vellet-sama, a duke, but… this is all I have, and… um…”
Mio blushed, fidgeting with her feet.
“If… if it’s not enough, I… I will do anything, so… please… please protect us!”
I see. A few silver coins are indeed practically pocket change to me.
…Anything, huh?
“…Alice. Do you remember what we wrote on the overnight leave permit when we came here?”
“Yes. I clearly remember writing ‘volunteering.’”
“Ah, right. Then it would be strange to accept money, wouldn’t it?”
“Wha…”
Mio, who had been looking down the whole time, lifted her head.
I came here intending to help Alice, so I didn’t plan on accepting any reward from the start.
Plus, considering the trouble they’re in because of us, taking more from them would be downright cruel.
I may be a villain, but I’m not a scoundrel.
Besides, I’ve nearly accomplished what I came here to do.
“So, that’s that. I’m giving this back. We don’t need a reward.”
I took her hand and placed the package back in it.
After staring at it for a moment, tears began to fall from her eyes.
“Thank you… so much…!”
“See? I told you, didn’t I? Lord Ouga wouldn’t ask for money.”
Alice moved beside her, gently patting her back with a soft expression.
Did you really tell her that on your own?
Could you not set up these little traps for me without my knowledge?
That was a close call.
If I had chosen to accept it, my standing with both Alice and Mio would have taken a hit…
“Alice. Once midnight strikes, we’ll begin our attack. I’m going to rest for a bit, so stay up and be ready for anything.”
“As you wish.”
“You two probably have a lot to catch up on. Take your time.”
“Uh, um…!”
“…What is it?”
“There are plenty of empty rooms, so please feel free to use any that’s available…”
“Then I’ll do just that.”
I thanked her and left the room.
Passing through the hallway, I could hear the children’s peaceful breathing as I entered a random empty room.
“…Well, this should do.”
All that’s left is to destroy the remnants’ main base and wrap this up.
After tying up some personal loose ends, I finally fell asleep. Two hours later…
“Vellet-sama… My body may not be attractive, but… please, feel free to use it as you wish.”
Mio attempted to sneak into my bed.
…Why?